GETTING READY FOR EDUCATOR RIFs: 5 STEPS TO TAKE NOW
Posted on | January 24, 2012 | No Comments
A RIF is a Reduction in Force by a school district due to lack of funds. In other words, educators who receive RIF notices are given pink slips telling them they will be laid off.
1. If your district asks you to sign a statement verifying your seniority date and credentials, BE CAREFUL. Make sure the information is 100% correct before you sign. If you sign and the information is not accurate (for example, the statement credits you with too little seniority or some, but not all, of your credentials), the district will use the statement against you in the RIF hearing to undermine your seniority and credential claims. RIF hearing officers also often restrict individuals from contesting incorrect credential or seniority information at the RIF hearing, especially when the individuals already have had an opportunity to set the record straight.
2. Make sure that ALL of your credentials and certifications are on file with the school district, especially certifications to teach English language learners. If you hold a credential or certification, but it is not on file with the district by March 15th, you will not be credited with that credential or certification in the RIF hearing. If you need to check on your credentials, look them up on the CTC website at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/lookup.html.
3. Check your personnel file. Copy any documents from the file that you will need to prove your first day of paid service with the district as a probationary employee. Remember, your first in-service day may count, even if it was not mandatory, as long as you were paid for the day. Collect the documents now that will let you prove that date if need be in the RIF hearings.
4. Confirm your CTA Membership. CTA provides representation to all who are current members at the time they receive layoff notices, but not to agency fee payers.
5. Contact your CTA staff person immediately if you receive a layoff notice. There are very short and strict timelines that begin to run from the date any teachers receives a layoff notice. It is very important that you contact CTA right away once you receive a layoff notice, so that CTA can assist you in enforcing your rights. The District must comply with RIF statutes and the protections you may have in your collective bargaining agreement. CTA can also provide you with information regarding your reemployment rights.
Thanks for taking the time to review this material. A little time now preparing for possible RIFS in your district could assist you later.
Compliments of CTA
Sally Estep’s Speech to the Board on January 11,2012
Posted on | January 11, 2012 | No Comments
These are times of great change in our district, and much of it is extremely scary. Our hands are consistently forced to change class size, change programs, change teaching approaches, change assignments, change sites, change designation, reduce, include, expand, budget…. And ultimately, we are forced to finally look at not just reducing and budgeting, but at closing.
No one likes to close a part of so many people’s histories, so many people’s experiences and defining moments. But our responsibility to our current and future students will always have to be our first priority. And we know that means continued, and seemingly unending, ridiculously tough decisions. None of these decisions we know are made lightly or easily—they are not happy. But they are necessary.
“These are the times that try men’s souls,” Thomas Paine would have told us.
And in these times, leadership is paramount. In times of tough decisions, a leader needs not only to be able to make the hard decisions, but also has to be able to rally the troops in support. This person needs to be compassionate, visionary and strong, more about the group than about any single person or part of the group.
As you continue to search for our new leader, CUTA encourages you to look to our own assistant superintendents. All three have proved themselves compassionate, visionary and strong individuals who are committed to the health and welfare of our district and who have the trust of the employees. And in these times, when we all need to work together more than we ever have before, that trust can make the difference.
All of our souls have been tried, and we’re still standing, but we need the proper leadership to help us stay upright.
CUSD’s First Interim Budget Report Summary 2011-12
Posted on | January 9, 2012 | No Comments
CUSD’s First Interim Budget Report
Summary 2011-12
Revenues
Since the September Unauditeds, CUSD has adjusted upwards its
general fund revenues by $1.9 million to $73.2 million. The district has not included a $209,257 rise in the County’s November local property tax projection.
Expenditures
Since the September Unauditeds, CUSD has revised upwards its general fund expenditures by $864,837 to $83 million. CUSD is budgeting in 2011-12 it will spend $9.9 million more than its income. This figure is lower than the earlier predicted $10.9 million deficit gap.
Certificated salaries (minus administrators) are projected to drop by $2.7 million from last year to this year costing $36.6 million. The $2.5 million budgeted for supplies and materials is $921,360 greater than spent last year.
Unrestricted Reserves
Since the September Unauditeds, CUSD’s ending unrestricted
reserves estimate for June 2012 has grown to $5.1 million up from $4.1 million. This figure is double the 3% of-the-budget mandated amount for “economic uncertainities.”
As a point of reference last year’s First Interim foretold the unrestricted reserves would fall by June 2011 to $10 million (up from the earlier prediction of $5.1 million in that year’s Unauditeds). In June however the unrestricted reserves stood at $14.6 million.
Multi-Year Projection
This year CUSD envisages meeting its financial obligations. Next year the district assumes it must adjust spending downwards by $7.8 million.
CUTA Bargaining Update 12.19.11 Negotiations
Posted on | December 26, 2011 | No Comments
Facts
- CUSD Revenue has increased by $1.9 million since 9/14/11.
- CUSD decided to increase the Reserve Fund with this revenue increase.
- CUSD moved $500K from Tier III Funding to the General Fund.
- Due to this budget move, the projected shortfall is now at $7.8 million for 2012-13.
- Mid-Year Trigger Language from Sacramento only will affect us by $13/ADA (compared to predicted $189/ADA)
- CUSD has been approved to reach classroom caps of 34 in K, 32 in 1-3, and 32 in 4-8, without penalty.
- CUSD over budgeted many areas from last year, which could be potential expenditure savings.
- CUSD is holding firm on the planned opening of Sage Creek High School in 2013. They have only delayed the hiring of support staff for the opening of this new school, a $200,000 savings.
- CUSD is expecting CUTA to absorb $5.4 million in Salary Reductions to balance the 2012-13 budget.
Fears
- CUSD Board of Trustees seems hesitant to make any more budget reductions outside the classroom.
- The loss of instructional time due to furlough days will decrease student learning and test scores.
- The projected budget shortfall for 2013-14 is $12 million.
How to Get Involved
- CUTA Information: www.cutanews.org
- Sign up for CUTA email updates at www.cutanews.org
- Attend School Board Meetings: Next Meeting ~ Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Carlsbad City Council Chambers, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive ~ 6:00 p.m.
- Inform parents of potential reduction in instructional days.
Dane Stitts’ Comments to CUSD Board of Trustees 12.14.11
Posted on | December 26, 2011 | No Comments
http://www.tramutola.com/news.
Sally Estep’s Board Speech on December 14, 2011
Posted on | December 15, 2011 | No Comments
Good Evening. I don’t think any of us could have predicted that this recession would last this long, but it has. And while this district has made many excellent long-term plans, “even the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” And so, here we are with the reality of today
Today we have up to 32 students per class in grades 1-3 for a savings of almost $1 million dollars.
Today, class sizes across the district are larger. Teachers, staff and students are doing more with less.
Today all district employee groups are discussing compensation cuts to help balance the budget over the next few years.
Today, employees are preparing their families for this potential loss of income.
Today we know that desperate times call for desperate measures. And we know that the board has more, even tougher decisions to make.
So…
Since we have increased class sizes and may continue to do so;
Since we have slashed school budgets which support student learning and may continue to do so;
Since we have lost support staff who support student learning and may continue to do so;
Since we have suffered special education budget cuts and may continue to do so;
And since we all are facing salary reductions because the district cannot afford to pay the people responsible for teaching our children;
Given these conditions:
WE SIMPLY DO NOT OPEN A NEW HIGH SCHOOL
In a recent poll 423 out of 440 teachers support delaying the opening of Sage Creek High School, yet the board continues to prioritize salary reductions above opening a school we don’t actually need (despite how much we may want it).
Today, it is simply not fair to ask the students and the staff of Carlsbad Unified School District to fund the opening of Sage Creek.
Today, the decision may be difficult, but it is the right decision for our district—Today.
New Carlsbad Bond in the Works?
Posted on | December 12, 2011 | No Comments
Carlsbad: School trustees to discuss possible bond
By STACY BRANDT sbrandt@nctimes.com | Posted: Friday, December 9, 2011 10:00 pm
Carlsbad Unified School District Superintendent John Roach has raised the idea of asking voters to approve another school bond to fund a technology endowment and additional construction at Sage Creek High School.
Roach has asked a consultant to present a report to the school board Wednesday about the possibility of a new general obligation bond.
He said he isn’t yet recommending a bond, but simply wants the trustees to know about the potential benefits and tell him what they think of the idea.
If they like it, he said he would prepare a timeline, plan the next steps and seek community input.
In a hypothetical scenario, the consultant will present to the board Wednesday, the district could borrow $116 million and use it to invest in another California municipality, which would net a 5 percent return each year.
This $5.8 million could be used to pay for continuing technological upgrades, Roach said.
A bond that size would cost homeowners $30 for every $100,000 in appraised value for 25 years.
Having some additional money for technology could help the district in the future keep more money in its general fund, which is used for most operating expenses, Roach said.
The bond also could include $50 million in borrowing to pay for a pool and performing arts center at Sage Creek High School, which is expected to open in 2013. That would cost homeowners an additional $11.10 per $100,000 in value.
In 2006, voters approved Proposition P, a $198 million bond measure that paid for renovation work and several campuses and to build Sage Creek. The new high school will be the last of those projects.
The possible bond measures being presented are not specific proposals, Roach said, but are meant to give trustees a better idea of how the process works.
“I’m not suggesting at this moment that we do a bond in November,” he said, “but this was interesting enough that I thought the board ought to learn about this thing.”
The school board meeting is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.
Roach has also brought up the possibility of putting a parcel tax on the ballot, but decided that it probably would be too difficult to get the required 66 percent of affirmative votes.
Recently, district officials have looked for ways to bring in more money and cut costs to help close a budget shortfall estimated at $10 million next year.
School trustees have said the district will need to make several changes next year to save money, including possibly closing schools, cutting salaries, shortening the school year and eliminating administrative positions.
District officials expect to bring in about $72 million and spend roughly $74 million next year.
District revenue has declined over the past three years, from $89 million in 2008-09 to $83 million last year and a projected $73 million this year.
CUTA Bargaining Update December 11, 2011
Posted on | December 12, 2011 | No Comments
FACTS
- CUSD is currently facing an $8.3 million budget deficit due to reduced revenue sources.
- CUSD District Leadership proposed $4.3 million in cuts to the CUSD Board.
- CUSD Board cut only $2.3 million in expenses at the last board meeting:
- $450K in Administrator Positions
- $15K in Valley Leader Stipends
- $60K in Travel and Conference Expenses
- $614K in Site and Department Budgets
- $513K in Special Education Budgets
- $128K in Classified Positions
- $20K in Athletic Budget
- $235K in Reduced Programs
Specific details found at http://www.slideshare.net/dvodicka/cusd-budget-update-november
- CUSD Board decided to continue with opening with the new Sage Creek High School in 2013, with $200K in a reduced budget (included in the above $2.3M cuts).
- CUSD Board is forming a committee to research the closure of two schools with potential budget savings of $800K. (not included in the above $2.3M cuts).
- CUSD is exploring many different sources to increase revenue.
- CUSD Management has agreed to take the same salary reduction as CUTA and wants to wait and see what reductions CUTA negotiates rather than take the lead in making their salary reductions.
- CUTA has already reduced the budget deficit by $1 million with the loss of class size reduction in grades 1-3.
- CUTA will stand firm on any potential salary reductions will only be in the form of Furlough Days and NOT Salary Schedule Reductions or Step/Column Freezes.
- CUTA will write contractual language restoring salary reductions if the financial situation improves.
- If Salary Reductions are necessary CUTA will fight for improved professional rights.
FEARS
- CUSD Board will not cut any more programs leaving employees to bear the burden of CUSD budget problems.
- Furlough days are a “band-aid” fix to a serious budget problem facing CUSD.
- State Mid-Year cuts could increase the budget deficit.
How to Get Involved
- CUTA Information: www.cutanews.org
- Sign up for CUTA email updates at www.cutanews.org
- Attend School Board Meetings: Next Meeting ~ Wednesday, 12/14, at Carlsbad City Council Chamber, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive ~ 6:00 p.m.
- Call your local Representative and ask to increase school funding in California.
STRENGTH COMES THROUGH UNITY
Help Needed for a Beloved Carlsbad Teacher
Posted on | December 7, 2011 | No Comments
Posted on Jefferson Elementary’s Website:
In Loving Memory….
Dear Jefferson Community — It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Jefferson teacher, Laura Langarica.
Mrs. Langarica began her career at Jefferson as a student teacher with Mr. Ponce. Her enthusiasm and love for students made her an obvious choice when an opening arose for a first grade teacher in 2001. She was hired immediately. Mrs. Langarica taught first grade for several years before making the choice to join the Kindergarten team. She was an expert teacher. Many of our students owe their ability to read and their love of literacy to Mrs. Langarica.
Mrs. Langarica was deeply committed to our school. She brought her own two children, Fernando and Amairani, to attend Jefferson. In addition to being an amazing teacher, Mrs. Langarica was an incredible and caring woman. She fought her illness bravely for six years, and passed away quietly on December 1st, surrounded by her loving family.
We at Jefferson remember Mrs. Langarica fondly and cherish our memories of her time here and the impact her positive outlook had on all of us. We will carry a piece of her with us in our hearts always.
As soon as arrangements are finalized, we will post information about the memorial services. In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up through Pacific Marine Credit Union – Account #2024349 to assist the Langarica family. Donations can be made in cash (or by check made out directly to Eduardo Langarica) and will be accepted by the Jefferson Front Office and at the bank.
Our thoughts and love go out to Eduardo, Fernando, Amairani, and the entire family.
UPDATE: The Langarica family will be holding a Rosary & Visitation Service on Sunday, Dec. 11th from 4-8pm at Eternal Hills Memorial Park (Oceanside). There will be a full bilingual Mass held on Monday, Dec 12th, at 10am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (in Vista). Burial will take place at Eternal Hills Memorial Park immediately following the Mass.
Eternal Hills Memorial Park: 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054 (760) 754-6600
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church: 525 W.Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083 (760) 945-8000
Servicios para Laura Langarica:
Velorio: domingo, 11 de diciembre de 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Eternal Hills, Oceanside, CA
Misa: lunes: 12 de diciembre a las 10:00 a.m. “St Francis of Assissi Iglesia Católica”, Vista, CA. (Entierro en el cementerio de Eternal Hills.)
Wear CUTA Blue
Posted on | December 3, 2011 | No Comments
This Tuesday, December 6, your CUTA Bargaining Team will be meeting with district representatives for the first bargaining session. To show your support for our team and to show solidarity among our membership, we are asking that all CUTA members wear CUTA blue. This would be a great day to wear your CUTA t-shirt or any sky colored shirt.
